Your Guide to Safer Sunscreens and Recipe for a Homemade Sunscreen

Your Guide to Safer Sunscreens and Recipe for a Homemade Sunscreen

The sun is out and temperatures are rising, and as we start to head into the summer months it’s time to take care of the sun protection. Sunburn doesn’t just happen on holiday – you can burn even when it’s cloudy. A baby’s best defense against sunburn is to avoid the sun. stay in the shade and physical barriers such as clothing, hats, pop-up tents and umbrellas. For children older than 6 months, an effective sunscreen is an important part of sun protection. And for adults – there is no safe tan without a sunscreen. How to know which sunscreen is the safest for you and your little one? At first, rule out all those with potentially harmful ingredients.

Environmental Working Group has released the list of worst sunscreens for kids and babies. These particular sunscreens either don’t work well, contain potentially harmful ingredients or a combination of both, so make sure these are not in you holiday bag:

What are the SPF and UVA?

The sun protection factor, or SPF, is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection. SPFs are rated on a scale based on the level of protection they offer – the higher number, the higher protection. The star rating measures the amount of ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection. You should see a star rating of up to five stars on UK sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better. The letters “UVA” inside a circle is a European marking. This means the UVA protection meets EU recommendations.

Bigger SPF not necessarily better!

People select products based on their SPF mistakenly assume that bigger numbers are better. It is important to be aware that SPF of a sun cream only indicates the level of protection against UVB. It does not tell you anything about the protection it offers against dangerous UVA light. The fact is, that SPF50 only filters out 1% more UVB light than SPF30. Therefore, always look for UVA indicator.

How to apply sunscreen?

Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently. This includes applying it straight after you’ve been in water – even if it’s “water resistant” – and after towel drying, sweating, or when it may have rubbed off. Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn.

What am I using?

Last year I had separate sun lotions – one for me and my husband, another for our daughter. But because we haven’t finished them during the summer and they go out of date, this year I decided to get one for all our family. Because I use Green People Scent free sun lotion which is 78% organic and without nasties, I know it is safe not only for us but for the environment too. Washing off swimmers’ skin into the water, sunscreen can get into the sea and may be toxic to sea creatures. So choosing natural sunscreen you keep safe not only your family but the environment too. The key plant ingredients in Green People sun lotion are aloe vera, avocado, chamomile and green tea. It is fragrance-free, SPF30, with UVA protection and suitable even for a sensitive skin.

Also, 30p are donated to the Marine Conservation Society from each sale of this product. In case you don’t know, Marine Conservation Society is the UK charity protecting our seas, shores & wildlife.

Homemade recipe for a natural sunblock

You can find protection in nature. Did you know that raspberry seed oil has an SPF 28-50? And carrots an SPF 38-40? There are plenty of other oils with lower SPF as well. Here is all natural and kids friendly sunscreen recipe easy to make at home.

You will need:

30 gr red raspberry seed oil

30 gr coconut oil

30 gr beeswax

5-10 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)

Place all ingredients in a bowl set on a top of boiling water pan and melt together. Allow cooling. Store in a cool dry place or in the fridge. You can use it as a lotion or lip balm as well as sunscreen! Enjoy the sunshine!